DS 4 review
Delivering supreme comfort, good practicality and a premium feel, the DS 4 hatchback is an interesting alternative to class-leading rivals
The DS 4 hatchback can hold its head high in the competitive, premium family hatchback market. A smooth ride and refined character help it mount a real challenge to the established players, while its beautiful build quality and generous standard kit give buyers further reason to favour the French hatch.
Practicality is good, too, with a sizeable boot and lots of useful onboard technology, although you will have to pay extra for the full suite of infotainment and safety systems. The DS 4 isn’t blessed with intoxicating performance, instead it’s the overall levels of comfort that make it really stand out from the crowd, offering plenty of substance to match its undoubted style.
About the DS4
Creating a premium family hatchback to take on the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes is no easy task. Whether you’re after simple, Teutonic design, outstanding driving dynamics or superb build quality, the three German brands each offer their own individual take on what makes a first-rate family car.
In looking to its past, DS has recognised that it has real pedigree for making cars that offer a soothing and relaxing ride. The original Citroen DS was outstanding in this area, and the new DS 4 hatchback is looking to steal sales away from ‘the big three’ with a brilliant blend of comfort, build quality and generous levels of standard equipment.
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Has it succeeded? The answer has to be yes, because the DS 4 offers another sophisticated option for buyers at the top end of the hatchback market. The Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class now have a challenger that offers something different to the norm, but is still equally as classy. The competition doesn’t stop there, however, because the DS 4 will still have to prove itself worthy against higher-spec versions of the Volkswagen Golf, the attractively-styled Mazda 3 and two of its sister cars, the Peugeot 308 and Vauxhall Astra.
The front-wheel drive DS 4 comes with either a PureTech 130 petrol or a BlueHDi 130 diesel engine, both delivering 129bhp. Buyers don’t have the option of a manual gearbox, with only an eight-speed automatic transmission available.
Company car drivers, in particular, may find the DS 4 E-Tense model more appealing because it employs a more efficient plug-in hybrid system. Its 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor generate a combined 222bhp, with the ability to travel up to 38.5 miles on electric power alone.
The DS 4 is available in four trim levels: Performance Line+, Rivoli, Espirit De Voyage and Opera. If you can forego the best extras, the entry-level Performance Line+ comes with plenty of kit as standard, including 19-inch alloy wheels, acoustic glass, keyless entry and start, faux leather/Alcantara upholstery, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, interior ambient lighting, a seven-inch digital instrument panel, head-up display and 10-inch central touchscreen, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, too.
DS also offered the 4x4-inspired DS 4 Cross for a time, but it's been removed from the price list. It didn't add any real off-road ability mind you, just cosmetic touches, such as unique badging, black roof rails and extra protective trim.
Engines, performance and drive
DS is part of the Stellantis family of automotive brands, so the DS 4 shares its underpinnings with the Citroen C5 X, Peugeot 308 and latest Vauxhall Astra. The PureTech 130 petrol and BlueHDi 130 diesel engines are mainstays across the wider group, proving to be robust and reliable, even if they do lack a little punch in this model.
The French hatchback’s focus on providing excellent levels of comfort means that the lack of power isn’t a dealbreaker, while the strong available torque (particularly with the diesel model) does help with wafting easily along and also provides confidence when attempting overtaking manoeuvres at higher speeds.
Plug-in hybrid power is available in the form of the E-Tense 225 model. The front-wheel drive PHEV uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, delivering a total of 222bhp. With its 12.4kWh battery giving an all-electric range of 38.5 miles and an impressive top speed of 83mph in e-mode, you’ll be able to undertake many journeys without ever hearing the combustion engine fire up.
The plug-in hybrid system isn’t perfect, however. The engine sounds too noisy from within the cabin, even at idle. Put your foot down and it becomes thrashy, with a definite whine from the electric motor.
Buyers prioritising a supple, forgiving ride will be drawn to the DS 4’s ability to deal with poor road surfaces with ease. It remains super-smooth in town, and is equally comfortable at higher motorway speeds. Take a turn onto more twisty B-roads and the DS 4 doesn’t come unstuck; there is some noticeable body roll, but it stays pretty calm and composed.
DS also offers what it calls Active Scan Suspension. The system features adaptive dampers that prepare for bumps using forward-facing cameras. The downside is that the set-up only works in Comfort mode, but we found it definitely makes for a smoother ride in our DS 4 long-term test car.
0-62mph acceleration and top speed
The DS 4 petrol and diesel models offer sedate performance that underlines the manufacturer’s focus on comfort rather than outright pace. The PureTech 130 petrol manages 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds with a top speed of 130mph, while the BlueHDi 130 diesel is a touch behind on 10.9 seconds and a 129mph maximum.
The more powerful (and more expensive) E-Tense plug-in hybrid is the more sprightly choice. Offering 222bhp and a meaty 320Nm of torque, it sprints from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds and is capable of pushing on to a claimed 145mph.
MPG, CO2 and running costs
If you’re prioritising overall efficiency and can afford the extra initial outlay, then the plug-in hybrid DS 4 E-Tense is the model to go for – particularly if you can ensure the battery is regularly topped up. The DS 4 PHEV is capable of travelling up to 38.5 miles on battery power alone, while CO2 emissions from 27g/km mean that company car drivers will benefit from a low 12 per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate. Charging the battery shouldn’t prove to be too much of a chore, either, because it takes just shy of two hours to fully refresh using a typical 7kW home wallbox.
Buyers who are regularly driving longer distances may want to look towards diesel power, with the BlueHDi 130 engine returning a claimed maximum of 61.2mpg on the WLTP combined cycle. CO2 emissions (from 121g/km) aren’t as competitive as the plug-in hybrid, however.
Petrol models are around £8,000 cheaper to buy than the E-Tense plug-in hybrid versions, offering decent overall fuel economy of up to 48.6mpg with CO2 levels starting from 132g/km. When we pitted the petrol DS 4 PureTech against a Mercedes A 200, the DS managed to return 41.4mpg, while the Merc was more frugal and achieved 44.8mpg.
Insurance
Insurance ratings for the DS 4 vary depending on the trim and powertrain you go for. Petrol and diesel models sit in groups 20-21 and 22-23 respectively. The more powerful plug-in hybrid models, in groups 30-31, will be more expensive to insure.
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Depreciation
French family hatchbacks haven’t always had the best reputation for solid residual values, but the DS 4 is looking to be a much stronger bet. Thanks to its proven mechanicals, high-quality interior and plug-in hybrid technology, the DS 4 is predicted to hold onto around 50 per cent of its original showroom price after a typical ownership period of three years and 36,000 miles.
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Interior, design and technology
Style is subjective, as they say, but the recent trend for homogenous family SUVs and crossover-style cars has led to criticism that buyers don’t have the same breadth of choice they once had. With new family hatchbacks falling out of fashion, it’s even more important that the DS 4 offers its own distinctive flavour.
The exterior of the DS 4 is full of angles and dramatic curves, which help it stand out from the crowd, while all models ride on imposing 19-inch alloy wheels. The jewel-like LED tail-lights look fantastic, and up front, dramatic daytime running lights zig-zag down the edges of the bumper.
Sharp creases along the car’s flanks appear to slim down the centre section and give an impression of an SUV-like ride height; the now-discontinued Cross trim emphasises this further with extra plastic cladding on the lower edges of the bumper.
The DS 4 is eye-catching from the outside, but the interior is even better. You’ll find the cabin full of premium materials, with lots of Alcantara or leather upholstery options, and DS has at least partly succeeded in dialling down the fussiness that comes with some of its other models. We think it beats the Audi A3, not just in design, but in terms of overall quality, too.
Standard equipment is generous, with all models featuring a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen and a seven-inch digital driver’s display, while the options list features items such as an upgraded head-up display and a 14-speaker Focal audio system.
The entry-level Performance Line+ versions are easily recognised because of their unique black alloy wheels and black gloss trim, opposed to the chrome trim and diamond-cut rims you get on higher-spec models.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
The DS 4 offers a novel solution to making touchscreens easier to use. Before you roll your eyes as you discover that it’s another touchscreen, it works quite well. A lower display on the centre console shows shortcuts when you give it a long press. You then run your finger across the screen to select the page you want, much like the trackpad on a laptop. You can program six shortcuts of your choice, and we found that it let us make selections without diverting our gaze from the road.
The main system is fine, but no match for the Mercedes A-Class's MBUX infotainment set-up. Loading times are slower, and the graphics aren’t quite as sharp. The on-screen keyboard doesn’t show letters and numbers at the same time (irritating when entering a postcode) and it’s laggy when switching between pages.
What's more, the DS 4’s digital driver’s display looks small beside the panel in the A-Class, and the information isn’t as clearly presented, either.
Practicality, comfort and boot space
DS has made comfort a priority for its 4 hatchback, with all models featuring high-density foam seats, front and rear centre armrests, a steering wheel with reach and rake adjustment, and acoustic glass, which helps to reduce outside noise. Practical touches include rear parking sensors, power folding heated door mirrors, automatic headlights and wipers, two USB-C ports in the front of the cabin and a 60:40-split folding rear bench seat.
Upgrading to the top-spec Opera trim adds an automatic tailgate, a wireless smartphone charging function and front seats with heating, ventilation and massaging functions.
During our testing we found that while the front seats have a reasonable amount of side support, the high dash line means you need to jack the base up to get a decent view. The views both over the shoulder and out of the small back window are poor, too.
Dimensions and size
The DS 4 is 4,400mm long, 1,830mm wide and stands 1,470mm tall, which means it occupies a slightly bigger footprint than an Audi A3. A Mercedes A-Class is 19mm longer, while less-premium hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra are around 20 to 25mm shorter.
Leg room, head room & passenger space
Rear passengers in the DS 4 are well catered for – head, knee and elbow room are all within a few millimetres of what the A-Class offers in the back, but the DS 4’s seats are more comfortable and supportive. The DS 4’s stylish low roofline does impact on headroom a little, while the central rear seat is pretty narrow and raised, which means taller occupants may find it more difficult to find a comfortable position.
Fitting a child seat is a little more fiddly in the DS compared to the A-Class too, because the French hatchback's ISOFIX mounts are tucked behind zipped slits in the upholstery.
| Rear seat space comparison | |||
| Knee room (min-max) | Headroom | Elbow room | |
| DS 4 | 575-836mm | 914mm | 1,390mm |
| Mercedes A-Class | 563-817mm | 920mm | 1,425mm |
Boot space
The DS 4 petrol and diesel models have a 430-litre boot capacity, which is 50 litres more than an Audi A3 hatchback and 60 litres over a Mercedes A-Class. Fold the 60:40 split rear seats down and you have access to 1,240 litres of load space. Choosing the plug-in hybrid version means sacrificing a little carrying capacity, because it offers 390 litres – although this is still much better than an A3 PHEV, which can only muster 280 litres.
When we opened up the boot of the DS 4 to compare it to the A-Class’s in our twin test, we found that while the DS has a wider boot space, the Mercedes has the advantage by offering a lower lip and longer load area.
| Boot space comparison | |||
| Length | Width | Lip height | |
| DS 4 | 782mm | 1,098mm | 729mm |
| Mercedes A-Class | 817mm | 1,038mm | 642mm |
Towing
Buyers should go for a diesel model if they plan on regularly towing a trailer or small caravan. This has the highest maximum braked trailer weight, at 1,500kg, followed by the plug-in hybrid, which is capable of pulling up to 1,400kg, and the PureTech 130 petrol on 1,100kg.
Reliability and safety
The DS 4 received a four-star rating (out of five) from industry safety body Euro NCAP in 2022, although this was upgraded to five stars when tested with the Safety Pack Plus. DS includes standard features such as an emergency braking system, speed-limit recognition, lane-keep assist, a driver attention alert and cruise control, while the optional Drive Assist pack adds a level of semi-autonomous technology with adaptive cruise control and Lane Positioning Assist.
If you really want to extend the list of safety kit on your car, you can specify the DS Night Vision pack, which uses an infrared camera in the radiator grille to identify hazards up to 100 metres away, and includes tech such as a 360-degree camera and a Rear Cross Traffic Alert system.
DS didn’t appear in our 2023 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, although sister brand Citroen was voted into 11th place on a list of 32 best car manufacturers. The DS 4 is still too new to have featured in any Driver Power feedback, but we’d expect reliability to be sound given that it shares a platform with the Citroen C5 X, Peugeot 308 and Vauxhall Astra.
Warranty
The DS 4 comes with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty package, while the E-Tense plug-in hybrid version also has an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty (if the charging capacity of the battery falls below 70 per cent).
Servicing
DS publishes fixed prices for servicing and MOTs on its models. Personalised monthly service plans are also available.
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